West Midland Safari and Leisure Park West Midland Safari Park 2021

Does anyone know what was or should be in the enclosure just before you enter the African wild dogs? Or is this just spare land?
 
Hi everyone,

I hope this is okay to post.

I have booked for two adults and one child for tomorrow (including wristbands for the adventure park) - Monday 16th We're now unable to go due to a family emergency and we'd like to see the tickets be used by someone.

If anyone would like the tickets please let me know, I'm not looking for any payment.
 
On way home from my first visit and I can safley say I will be back, very impressed!!!

*Love the new Elephant enclosure. I was expecting bigger but I do like what i saw.
*New Red panda exhibit is brilliant and I did manage to see one alseep

Species seen on drive through ( I'm on a coach so may have missed species)

*Eland
*Grevy zebra ×3
*Waterbuck
*Indian Rhino including calves
*Giraffe, I spotted 8 about 14:30pm from the car park
*Cheetah although very difficult to spot(no pun intended ) I was the only one on the coach that noticed it, only one though.
*Dhole, first time I've ever seen them nice species at a guess about 5 I think I spotted
*Roughly 10 white lions although they were asleep and similar number of Africans
*African wild dogs but were asleep and difficult to spot so unsure how many 6 at a guess but must be more
*Persian deer, other guests on trip commented how odd to keep deer next to wild dogs.
* White tigers only saw 0:0:2 but in separate enclosures and 0:0:2 Sumatran but they were asleep on platform.
*Grant zebra only saw 0:0:2 on drive through but saw 0:0:4 when I was in car park before leaving
* Bactrian camels think there was 9 in total one was in the road.
* White rhino spread out, 6 individuals I think there were.
*Saw 0:0:3 ostrich on the foot safari although only saw their heads because they were lay down and the crowds so unsure of ratio

Something I haven't noticed at Knowsley was signs describing what species are in which part of the park. I like this and it helps people who have no idea what species they are looking at (we all know the type that don't know the difference between deer and antelope).
All in all a great day and would recommend a visit although I don't know how much it would cost if you paid individually or as a family.
I feel like I've had value for money and enjoyed my day
 
Last edited:
Also saw the common hippos didn't realise they had so many. Counted 6 but they did keep going under and resurfacing but I was only expecting 2 got a good shot of one leaving the pool. Still baffles me how something so big can move so fast
 
*
*African wild dogs but were asleep and difficult to spot so unsure how many 6 at a guess but must be more
*Persian deer, other guests on trip commented how odd to keep deer next to wild dogs.

I think there are perhaps around a dozen Hunting Dogs. They used to have a really large group but there seemed a lot less this time. We saw two small groups lying apart.

I presume the other guests on your trip were unaware of what resulted last year from the dogs being adjacent to the deer...

There are six Hippo- all females.
 
*

I think there are perhaps around a dozen Hunting Dogs. They used to have a really large group but there seemed a lot less this time. We saw two small groups lying apart.

I presume the other guests on your trip were unaware of what resulted last year from the dogs being adjacent to the deer...

There are six Hippo- all females.


Re persian deer Yes I did mention that there isn't as many as there were didn't elaborate as to why though:rolleyes:
 
There's excitement at West Midland Safari Park

" TIGER LODGE PLANS SUBMITTED!
1f42f.png

As well as the plans for new accommodation amongst rhinos and giraffes we announced last month, we're thrilled to share that there will also be luxury, one-storey lodges built, overlooking our stunning Sumatran tigers!
1f405.png

Sleeping up to four people, the tiger lodges will feature open plan living and luxury interiors, with breathtaking views from every room into the new tiger habitat through floor to ceiling windows.
The stunning new designs also feature sunken hot tubs on private verandas, where guests can sit back and relax, whilst enjoying a ‘cat’s eye’ view through windows of the tiger enclosure
1f60d.png

Work is due to start this autumn, with ambitions for completion in Spring 2022
263a.png

If you'd like to be the first to know more about these developments and when you can book, sign up to our e-newsletter! - safari-lodges.co.uk/keep-in-touch".
 
when the work started on those lodges and new updated enclosures or animal houses like the elephants and cheetahs did that will be brilliant
 
As some of you are probably aware Latebe one of WMSP’s Elephant Cowes passed away in July. Latebe was the younger of the 2 Elephant Cowes who reside at the Safari Park. Her fellow herd mates are Five aged 30 and her Son aged . Five at Latebe arrived at WMSP in the late 90’s from an African Elephant Sanctuary. Can anyone tell me if Five and Latebe were biological Sisters or just friends that grew up together. Finally how do you pronounce the name Latebe. I ask as I am aware that some African names are not said phonically. An example of this is that the former Port Lyme Silverbacks name was spelled Djala but said Jala.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&r...safari-park/&usg=AOvVaw1WF3wYoTDD_JOtMbGVirKu
 
As some of you are probably aware Latebe one of WMSP’s Elephant Cowes passed away in July. Latebe was the younger of the 2 Elephant Cowes who reside at the Safari Park. Her fellow herd mates are Five aged 30 and her Son aged . Five at Latebe arrived at WMSP in the late 90’s from an African Elephant Sanctuary. Can anyone tell me if Five and Latebe were biological Sisters or just friends that grew up together. Finally how do you pronounce the name Latebe. I ask as I am aware that some African names are not said phonically. An example of this is that the former Port Lyme Silverbacks name was spelled Djala but said Jala.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjhlt-pltLyAhUUglwKHfkoCv0QFnoECAsQAw&url=https://www.kidderminstershuttle.co.uk/news/19418034.heartbreak-sudden-death-female-elephant-latabe-west-midlands-safari-park/&usg=AOvVaw1WF3wYoTDD_JOtMbGVirKu
As far as I’m aware they were in fact biological sisters, and as for the name I would presume it is pronounced La-tar-bay, given that is how the keepers pronounce it. Hope this helps
 
As far as I’m aware they were in fact biological sisters, and as for the name I would presume it is pronounced La-tar-bay, given that is how the keepers pronounce it. Hope this helps

@Paleoarchontas thanks for providing me with the information so quickly. @Paleoarchontas as Elephants are intelligent herd animals I hope Five is not mourning the loss of her younger Sister Latebe and long term companion too much.
On a happier note WMSP are waiting for one of their Bull Elephants Jack or Tooth to return. WMSP goal for the near to middle term future is too welcome further Elephant Cowes. The hope is that Five and the returning Bull can be integrated with them. Ultimately WMSP would like to be the home of a breeding herd of African Elephants.
Eventually when he is a bit older the plan is for Sutton to stay at WMSP and become their breeding Bull. I disagree with this decision,as ideally Sutton would move on as he would in Africa. Not only is this a natural step but Sutton is half wild as he was born using AI from a wild Bull called Steve. Additionally keeping Sutton with Five in the long term could result in a mating between Mother and Son. If I were the EEP or Studbook Keeper I would move Sutton and let Five stay at WMSP. Five is of Breeding age and I think should be integrated with the returning Bull and new Cowes. Hopefully their will be a natural mating between Five and the returning Bull as before they moved overseas Five was mounted by both Bulls.
 
@Paleoarchontas thanks for providing me with the information so quickly. @Paleoarchontas as Elephants are intelligent herd animals I hope Five is not mourning the loss of her younger Sister Latebe and long term companion too much.
On a happier note WMSP are waiting for one of their Bull Elephants Jack or Tooth to return. WMSP goal for the near to middle term future is too welcome further Elephant Cowes. The hope is that Five and the returning Bull can be integrated with them. Ultimately WMSP would like to be the home of a breeding herd of African Elephants.
Eventually when he is a bit older the plan is for Sutton to stay at WMSP and become their breeding Bull. I disagree with this decision,as ideally Sutton would move on as he would in Africa. Not only is this a natural step but Sutton is half wild as he was born using AI from a wild Bull called Steve. Additionally keeping Sutton with Five in the long term could result in a mating between Mother and Son. If I were the EEP or Studbook Keeper I would move Sutton and let Five stay at WMSP. Five is of Breeding age and I think should be integrated with the returning Bull and new Cowes. Hopefully their will be a natural mating between Five and the returning Bull as before they moved overseas Five was mounted by both Bulls.

Sutton isn't becoming the breeding bull anymore they stated back in April. He was going to become the Breeding Bull in the original elephant upgrade (Elephant Valley, new house and pelican pool) was planned but that was before the looping group sale and the new enclosure. I was told he'll leave the collection eventually , he's just keeping Five company through smell and sight as they are separated.
 
From what Bintarong said on the other thread. "Sutton isn't becoming the breeding bull anymore they stated back in April. He was going to become the Breeding Bull in the original elephant upgrade (Elephant Valley, new house and pelican pool) was planned but that was before the looping group sale and the new enclosure. I was told he'll leave the collection eventually , he's just keeping Five company through smell and sight as they are separated." What do you mean about the Pelican Pool ?
 
Sutton isn't becoming the breeding bull anymore they stated back in April. He was going to become the Breeding Bull in the original elephant upgrade (Elephant Valley, new house and pelican pool) was planned but that was before the looping group sale and the new enclosure. I was told he'll leave the collection eventually , he's just keeping Five company through smell and sight as they are separated.
That will be brilliant and can I ask what do you mean about the Pelican Pool ?
 
That will be brilliant and can I ask what do you mean about the Pelican Pool ?

The original Elephant valley upgrade would of had an additional cow house , pelican pool with house and breeding flock, waterfall, and centre piece baobab tree as a keepers watch tower. Was scrapped after the looping group sale.
Planning application can be found below.

12/0006/FULL | Extension to existing Elephant house and re-theme building; erection of Pelican Houses; and associated works for enrichment of surrounding area including erection of Baobab Tree | West Midlands Safari Park Kidderminster Road Bewdley Worcestershire DY12 1LF
 
The original Elephant valley upgrade would of had an additional cow house , pelican pool with house and breeding flock, waterfall, and centre piece baobab tree as a keepers watch tower. Was scrapped after the looping group sale.
Planning application can be found below.

12/0006/FULL | Extension to existing Elephant house and re-theme building; erection of Pelican Houses; and associated works for enrichment of surrounding area including erection of Baobab Tree | West Midlands Safari Park Kidderminster Road Bewdley Worcestershire DY12 1LF
Ah I see now. Has West Midland Safari Park ever had pelicans before ?
 
Visited recently , a couple things to note :
  • Barasingha herd has had 3 new babies from the new buck. Unsure of genders this early but all 3 are healthy.
  • Both white lions and tigers are going to phased out. White lion pride consists of one male and his 3 breeding females and the rest are his daughters . There's 3 remaining white tiger boys.
  • Both white rhino calves are happy and running around, now a major push to begin construction of rhino lodges by next week to properly accommodate the crash of 8
  • Five (the remaining elephant cow) was mourning the loss of Latabe but is now back to a happy condition. Keepers are still entering the enclosure to keep her company. Never seen her run across her enclosure to the pool before and grazing the overgrown embankments ! No official plans for cow imports yet and Sutton is still staying for a while.
  • Waterbuck herd has shrunk to 1.1 due to age related deaths and export of previous calves. Blackbuck are at 53 females. Some Anoa have left for chester zoo, now 3 females left. Still cape buffalo in the enclosure. 4 ankole cows remain after age related deaths.
  • Red panda enclosure is great ! Climbing enrichment and painting is beautifully laid out. Unfortunately didn't see her outside.
Overall great day out, wildlife phase 2 now waiting approval (giraffes, ungulates and rhinos) while tigers is being planned out.
 
Where were the Cape Buffalo?

Are the white tigers normally kept separate? When I went a couple of weeks ago I saw 2 but they were in separate enclosures
 
Back
Top